Big Sean, Lzzy Hale and Sam Hunt to Select
Winners of Online Program Designed to Foster Aspiring Musicians

November 10, 2015 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyundai and The Recording Academy® today announced the launch
of the fourth annual GRAMMY Amplifier® program. GRAMMY
Amplifier is an innovative online music initiative providing aspiring
artists with the opportunity to realize their passion and further their
musical careers through one-of-a-kind experiences that serve to showcase
their talent. Entrants are invited to upload their songs for
consideration at www.grammyamplifier.com,
which is now mobile optimized for submissions via smartphone and tablet.

The 2016 winners will be selected by three Amplifier curators: GRAMMY®-nominated
hip-hop artist Big Sean, GRAMMY winner Lzzy Hale, lead
singer and guitarist of hard-rock band Halestorm, and rising country
superstar Sam Hunt. The program curators will sort and listen to
submissions and select three winners, who will each receive one of three
prize packages: a studio recording session with a GRAMMY- winning
producer; an opening slot for a noted artist and/or a series of festival
shows; or the filming of a music video with a celebrated director.

"GRAMMY Amplifier is an amazing program that not only inspires and
encourages new artists, but also provides important resources that will
help throughout their musical journey,” said Big Sean. “The
Internet is an incredible tool and I know firsthand how it can help
build an artist's career, profile and fan base."

"I’m honored to be part of a program where I can help elevate new and
emerging talent,” said Hunt. “It wasn’t long ago I was an unknown
artist, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the people who helped me with
the tools I needed to start my career. I look forward to shining a light
on these aspiring musicians.”

"Whether you’re a player, singer or songwriter, the GRAMMY Amplifier
program can help you find your voice,” said Hale. “I've been in
Halestorm for 18 years and I know that this is a really tough business
that takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it also requires great
risk and a lot of determination proving yourself gig after gig. The
talented artists that have entered this program in the past have
received so much in the way of advice, but most of all they've been
given an opportunity, and as musicians that is the one thing we all
hunger for — the opportunity."

The GRAMMY Amplifier program is now open for submissions and will close
on Jan. 4, 2016. Program hopefuls can upload their song on the GRAMMY
Amplifier website and drive friends, family and fans to listen and
"amplify" their track. Based on total track plays and social media
“amplifications,” a top 25 list of semifinalists will be selected Dec.
16. Point accumulations will then continue only for the semifinalist
group through Jan. 4, 2016, at which time a group of 10 finalists will
be selected and submitted to the GRAMMY Amplifier curators.

The finalists will then be flown to Los Angeles to participate in a
Music Business Immersion Day with the goal of educating them on social
media promotion, copyrights, and publishing, among other topics. The
final three winners will be announced during GRAMMY Week in February
2016.

Since its inception, videos featuring GRAMMY Amplifier winners have
exceeded 11 million views on YouTube. Over the past three years
thousands have submitted their music to GRAMMY Amplifier ambassadors,
including GRAMMY winners Mark Ronson and Mike Shinoda, as well as GRAMMY
Amplifier curators such as Ariana Grande and Allen Stone and GRAMMY
winners the Band Perry, Robert Glasper, Kendrick Lamar, and Ziggy
Marley. Winners have received prizes that afforded them the opportunity
to record music with a GRAMMY- winning producer, film
professional-caliber music videos and perform onstage at numerous live
music festivals, including The Billboard Hot 100 Festival, Rolling Stone
Live Presents and Bro-Am.

ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICAHyundai Motor America,
headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai
Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the
United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through
more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the
U.S. are covered by the Hyundai
Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully
transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile
powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside
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ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMYEstablished in 1957, The
Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters,
producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to
improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its
makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards® — the
preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most
credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for
groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy,
education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on
its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the
well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part
of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
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